Wednesday, April 28, 2010

New train technology coming to Queens lines

From the NY Times:

Cutting-edge train technology is coming to the No. 7 train, the purple-hued line that runs between 42nd Street in Manhattan and Flushing, Queens.

A computerized signal system, which basically allows trains to drive themselves (although this has not yet happened in the New York subway) will be rolled out on the No. 7 line by the end of 2012. Only the L line currently uses the system, which uses radio waves to track train movement.

In theory, the signals obviate the need for a conductor or train operator, although the transit union has bitterly opposed the elimination of on-board personnel. The system, known as Communications Based Train Control, also allows trains to run more frequently, increasing capacity during rush hours.

New York City Transit is looking to spend $87 million on cars for the No. 7 line conversion. Next up will be the Queens Boulevard tracks, which would serve the E, F, M, and R lines, followed by the Culver line in Brooklyn to Coney Island, which serves F and G trains. About $577 million is earmarked for the technology over the next five years.


Graphic from the NY Post

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mor trains closer together,i hope the structure(s) can handle the increased weight and torsional loads......

Anonymous said...

"the transit union has bitterly opposed the elimination of on-board personnel"

getting paid to do nothing?
sounds like a union to me

Anonymous said...

This is great news. Technology to improve service. It should also reduce costs for taxpayers by allowing the trains to be run with less personnel, but of course the union pigs still try to suck the taxpayers dry.

Anonymous said...

Unions had better shut up as they have had a crucial role in driving up the costs of just about anything in this city!

Anonymous said...

In theory, the signals obviate the need for a conductor or train operator, although the transit union has bitterly opposed the elimination of on-board personnel.
------------------------------

Of course they do. You cant collect union dues from a computer!!!

Anonymous said...

Please tell me that when the conductor says, "The doors are closing - stand clear of the doors," that the doors will actually close of those imbeciles who insist on holding them open and maybe break an arm or leg?

Cav said...

Mulitculturalism is very important on the 7 line! The computer voice announcements and the electronic signs will have to be in Chinese, Korean and Spanish of course. Probably not enough room for English.

Anonymous said...

All Abroad!

Anonymous said...

So if someone falls on the tracks good luck having that train stop in time!

Also if danger is spotted ahead good luck too.

Anony2 said...

Yea! Free for all! Ipods, wallets, assault and sodomization for everyone.

Need a cop? An ambulance? Hope the computer calls you one!

Stray child on the train? Just toss the kid off the train at the next stop. Maybe it'll be station with a toll booth clerk.

Train stuck? Yell at the computer to tell you when the train will start moving.

Having a heart attack? Just lay on the subway floor until they pull the train into the yard 12 hours later. Maybe the cleaners will find you.

See something? Say something (to yourself - because there will be no one there to listen.)

Cammiluna said...

This is why the MTA is always crying in debt.

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